Despite a morning of blustery winds, rain, and low visibility, our recent hike in Tollymore Forest proved to be a memorable day filled with stunning scenery, laughter, and a healthy dose of adventure. What began as a damp start at Donard Car Park quickly transformed into an unforgettable journey through Northern Ireland’s rich landscapes and ancient woodlands. Here’s a recap of the day’s adventure!
Starting with a Change of Plans
Sixteen students and three staff form Queen’s University Belfast gathered at Newcastle’s Donard Car Park, with many participants kitted out in boots, waterproof jackets, and rucksacks provided by Positive Steps Outdoors. Originally planned to climb Slieve Donard, the forecasted high winds, low visibility, and biting wind chill made a higher ascent likely uncomfortable to say the least. So, with a new plan in place, we set out to explore the beautiful, sheltered trails of Tollymore Forest, looking forward to discovering its lesser-trodden paths and historic landmarks.
Into Tollymore Forest
After a short minibus ride, we arrived at the Trassey Track car park, where the rain had conveniently eased off. Caroline, one of our PSO leaders, began with a safety briefing and introduced us to a few friendly icebreakers, creating an atmosphere of warmth and camaraderie among the group. Energised, we took a quiet back path into Tollymore Forest, starting our hike alongside ancient trees and rich autumnal foliage.
Our first stop was the King’s Grave, an ancient burial site dating from around 1500-1000 BC. This intriguing glimpse into the area’s history added a unique depth to our walk, with the group pausing to marvel at its ancient significance before moving on.
Following the River and Pausing for a Brew
A steep path led us down to a cascading river, its sound invigorating and calming as we followed it further into the forest. After crossing back onto the main path, we reached the forest’s boundary wall—a perfect spot for a quick cup of tea or coffee. Sipping a hot drink, the group shared stories and laughed together, feeling recharged for the next leg of the journey.
Squirrels, Streams, and Mindfulness Moments
Continuing east, we walked through a section of older deciduous forest, where oaks and beech trees arched over the trail. As we ventured deeper, we found scattered piles of cracked pinecones and beech shells—the telltale signs of red squirrels enjoying their own meals nearby! Though the elusive creatures stayed hidden, it was thrilling to see evidence of their presence in this magical forest.
As we moved along, we crossed several small streams, adding a bit of adventure to the route. Caroline then guided the group through a mindfulness exercise, encouraging everyone to connect more deeply with the natural world around them. The forest’s colours, the sound of the wind in the trees, and the damp, earthy scent of fallen leaves made this practice all the more powerful.
Reaching the Gorge and Climbing Slievenabrock
The trail led us to a dramatic gorge carved by the Cascade River, its flowing waters carving a scenic path through the forest. We followed the river northward, then climbed back up to the forest boundary wall before taking a break for lunch. Under the shelter of trees, we enjoyed a well-deserved rest and shared stories of past hikes, which fuelled our energy for what lay ahead.
Our next adventure took us out of the forest and up a spur off Slievenabrock, a climb that gave us expansive views and plenty of fresh air! Reaching the summit, we were met with an impressive display of glacial erratics—large boulders transported by ancient glaciers. One boulder had even split in half due to centuries of freezing and thawing, a reminder of the forces that shape these landscapes.
Five Senses and the Journey Back
We made our way back into the forest, pausing to take part in a “five senses” mindfulness exercise that helped us immerse ourselves in the sights, sounds, and sensations of the surrounding woodland. Crossing a boggy section between Tollymore and Donard Forests, we eventually reached the Glen River, following it back towards Newcastle.
Just as we neared the car park, the rain returned—perfect timing! As we wrapped up the day’s hike, the group was in high spirits, filled with a sense of accomplishment and camaraderie. The constant laughter, connection, and appreciation for the journey made this hike truly memorable.
A Successful Day Out
The day was a testament to the resilience and positivity of our hikers, who embraced each change in the plan and every challenge along the way. Despite the weather, everyone fully engaged in the day and got the most from the experience, creating new memories and friendships along the journey. Thanks to everyone who joined us on this blustery adventure in Tollymore Forest—you made it a day to remember!